Skills for information-system managers: Individuals planning a career as an information-system manager should possess which combination of capabilities to be effective?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:

Introduction / Context:Information-system (IS) managers sit at the intersection of technology and business. Success demands more than technical knowledge; it requires leadership, communication, and stakeholder management to deliver organizational outcomes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Role includes overseeing projects, operations, and teams.
  • Stakeholders range from executives to end users and vendors.
  • Communication spans proposals, policies, and documentation.

Concept / Approach:An effective IS manager needs (a) technical grounding to evaluate solutions and risks, (b) human-relations skills to lead teams and manage change, and (c) strong written communication to document requirements, policies, and reports. These skills reinforce each other to ensure alignment and delivery.

Step-by-Step Solution:Confirm technical literacy: architecture, security, lifecycle.Confirm people skills: negotiation, coaching, conflict resolution.Confirm written communication: clear specs, SLAs, governance artifacts.Therefore, choose “All of the above.”

Verification / Alternative check:Job descriptions for IS managers consistently list these three domains as core competencies.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Any single skill is insufficient; effectiveness requires the full trio.

Common Pitfalls:Overemphasizing technology at the expense of people and communication; or vice versa, lacking enough technical depth to make sound trade-offs.

Final Answer:All of the above

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